110 GHz Cryogenic Coax Cables and Feedthroughs

Quick Summary

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the Department of Commerce, is seeking quotations for 110 GHz Cryogenic Coax Cables and Feedthroughs to enhance the bandwidth of an existing dilution refrigerator. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation issued as a Total Small Business Set-Aside. The place of performance is Boulder, CO. Quotations are due by March 31, 2026, at 2:00 PM MST.

Scope of Work

This opportunity requires the provision of specialized cryogenic-compatible coaxial cables and associated hardware. Key deliverables include:

• Cryogenic-Compatible Coax Cable (Item 1): Minimum 10 cables with stainless-steel outer, copper or stainless-steel inner, and 110 GHz bandwidth rated 1mm connectors. Lengths will be determined in collaboration with the end-user.
• Cryogenic-Compatible Coax Cable (Item 2): Minimum 2 cables with Superconducting Niobium-Titanium (NbTi) outer/inner, and 110 GHz bandwidth rated 1mm connectors. Lengths will be determined in collaboration with the end-user.
• Hermetic Feedthrough (Item 3): One (1) KF25 or larger vacuum/hermetic feedthrough with 1mm connectors for two external cables.
• Non-Hermetic Feedthroughs (Item 4): Four (4) feedthroughs for various temperature stages (50 K, 4 K, still, and mixing chamber), each with two 1mm feedthroughs. The main plate must be OFHC Copper. The cables should feature low thermal conductance (stainless steel or CuNi) and thin-diameter coaxial wiring. Delivery is required within 90 days After Receipt of Order (ARO).

Contract & Timeline

• Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (Request for Quote - RFQ)
• Contract Type: Single Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order
• Period of Performance: October 1, 2025, to October 1, 2026
• Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
• NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (1,000 employees size standard)
• Quotation Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026, at 2:00 PM MST
• Inquiries Deadline: March 25, 2026
• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to lia.arthofer@nist.gov, referencing the RFQ number in the subject line.
• Published Date: March 19, 2026

Evaluation & Eligibility

Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quotation is the lowest priced, technically acceptable.

• Technical Capability: Must meet all minimum requirements as demonstrated by provided documentation. No prototypes, demonstrations, used, or refurbished instruments will be considered.
• Price: Will be evaluated for reasonableness. Quoters must have an ACTIVE registration in SAM.gov at the time of submission and through award/performance. Quotations must be divided into three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions.

Key Attachments

• Attachment 1: Request for Quote (Instructions and Evaluation Criteria)
• Attachment 2: Specifications (Detailed technical requirements)
• Attachment 3: Provisions and Clauses (FAR/CAR requirements, invoicing instructions)
• Attachment 4: Questions and Answers (Currently empty, but indicates a Q&A process)